Study the beautiful architecture of this early 20th-century bridge and watch its middle section lift to allow the passage of tall ships and boats.
Steel Bridge is a multimodal double-deck vertical lift bridge that spans the Willamette River, connecting the Rose Quarter and Lloyd District with Old Town Chinatown. Travel across the early 20th-century structure and see it in operation when ships and boats are navigating the waterway.
The bridge was opened in 1912 and replaced the 1888 bridge of the same name. The lower deck carries rail, bicycle and pedestrian traffic while the upper deck is for road and light rail traffic. Due to the bridge’s special design, the middle section’s lower deck can be raised without disturbing the upper deck. Watch as medium-sized boats pass under it while cars and MAX trains continue to cross the top.
For excellent river views of Portland walk or cycle across the bridge and pause to take in the vista that encompasses Old Town Chinatown. Another good way to experience the bridge is by walking or cycling on part or all of the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Portland River Loop Trail. The full trail encompasses the bridge and a wealth of other sites such as Waterfront Park, the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Sellwood Bridge and the Eastbank Esplanade. From this pedestrian and bicycle path enjoy excellent close-up views of the steel crossing.
The esplanade connects Steel Bridge with Hawthorne Bridge and includes a floating walkway. While you are in the area pause to study its public works of art and read the interpretative panels. These provide information about the river and the history of the area.
Plan to visit other places of interest while you are on the river loop trail near the bridge. The wildlife refuge is a 163-acre (66-hectare) destination of meadows, wetlands and woodlands that is home to dozens of birds species. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to spot woodpeckers, kestrels, mallards, hawks and herons.
Steel Bridge is next to Old Town Chinatown on the west bank of the Willamette River. Get here in about 2 minutes by car from the Rose Quarter on the east side of the river.
